For 2019, the Mazda CX-3 receives a refresh that includes new exterior touches, a very slight increase in engine output, redesigned seats, and front and rear center armrests. Some features have also been shuffled between trim levels, and advanced safety features are available across the lineup.
Pros Attractive and comfortable interior Engaging driving experience Impressive fuel economy for a crossover Good selection of available driver aids and active safety features
Cons Suspension tuning may be too firm for some Cramped rear seat Below-average cargo space
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 fails to launch in the crossover-SUV space race.
Pros Great, simple exterior shape Good standard touchscreen Standard advanced safety features Competitive fuel economy
Cons Cramped rear seat Not much cargo room with seats up Finicky infotainment system Small safety demerit
the 2019 CX-3 retains its trapezoidal bar grille but has a new inner grille design. New lower chrome trim on the sides complements the carryover side-sill chrome slat, while the headlights carry on unchanged. The rear lights, however, see a new design that’s more similar to those in front, with a round eye accented by straight lines.Inside, Mazda replaced the prior cable-operated parking brake with an electronic unit with an automatic hold feature and incorporated it into the center console next to the rotary infotainment dial. That change opens up some real estate on the console, and the mode selector has been relocated behind the shifter’s PRND indicator, the previous gloss-black surround is gone, the cupholders are repositioned, and the armrest gets a comfier makeover.
Mazda says the front seats, which can be ordered with full leather on top trims for the first time, have been completely redesigned to be wider and more comfortable. The dashboard wears new faux-suede appliqués, the climate-control dials feature flashy red accents, and the rear seats have a new fold-down center armrest with cupholders. Together, these small changes add up to a tidier and classier look.
Are you shopping for a versatile crossover SUV on a budget? With its generous equipment roster, top safety ratings and lengthy warranty, we think the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a desirable pick among affordable crossover SUVs. For 2017, the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport returns with refreshed styling front and rear, along with numerous feature updates, including a height adjustment for the power passenger seat, a larger 5-inch standard display and an available 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto. Newly offered safety features include adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, an electronic parking brake, a 360-degree parking camera, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking. Also, the base four-cylinder engine loses 5 horsepower, while the optional turbo four loses a more significant 25 hp, though Hyundai claims driving quality is improved. Pros
Generous rear-passenger and cargo space Lots of features for the money Lengthy warranty coverage. Cons
Below-average fuel economy for a small crossover SUV Thick roof pillars hamper rearward visibility Ride quality can be uncomfortably stiff on rough pavement
The restyled 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport looks sharp, inside and out. We can't help but wonder what the model could do with a slightly improved powertrain lineup. The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport received a substantial refresh this year that helps cement its status as Hyundai's go-to 'tweener in its SUV lineup.
Likes Sharper styling all the way around Good standard features Still a good value, even in higher trims Easy-to-use cargo space Bigger engine doesn't penalize economy
Dislikes Base engine isn't exciting All-around gas mileage isn't great Steering feel isn't sharp V-6 only on long-wheelbase Sante Fe, not the Sport
With its improved styling and greater feature content, Hyundai’s 2017 Santa Fe Sport compact SUV continues to show up newer rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Edge and Subaru Forester. While each of the aforementioned vehicles bests the Santa Fe Sport in the areas of fuel economy, only the Ford and Subaru can match its turbocharged engine option. The Santa Fe Sport also offers a number of features you won’t find on most other small SUVs, such as ventilated front seats and a power liftgate that automatically activates. If power and fuel economy are less important than comfort, safety and style, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport remains a very viable option.
Likes If you’re looking for a compact SUV with more style and features than a Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue, the 2017 Santa Fe Sport SUV from Hyundai delivers an impressive combination of comfort, safety features and performance.
Dislikes If you’re looking for a low-priced compact SUV with great fuel economy, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport comes in near the bottom of the list. Its swept-up side glass can make the interior feel a bit claustrophobic, and the base 2.4-liter engine doesn’t feel all that powerful.
